All the Fun of the Fair

the stable block at Childwickbury Manor
© Teresa Newham

The first weekend of July means only one thing to art lovers around here: the Childwickbury Arts Fair! This year it was magnificent as always. Blessed by excellent weather on the Friday, we spent a happy few hours taking a good look round and speaking to as many people as we could.

artists' demos in the painting tent
© Teresa Newham

First stop the painting tent - a huge marquee with a dozen artists showing and demonstrating their work. Those in the photos are (clockwise from top left) Penny German, Tina Balmer, Jenny Wheatley and Ali Yanya.  It's a lovely environment in which to chat to people about their work.

a variety of arts and crafts behind the stable block
© Teresa Newham

Behind the stable block we found more painters, ceramicists, woodworkers and a variety of crafts.  Many of those exhibiting are regulars - it was great to catch up with them again. The montage above shows work by Anne Barrell and the Eeles Pottery, Vince King wood carving and Oli Fowler screen printing.

 inside the stable block - glass artists & printmaker Laura Boswell
© Teresa Newham

The stable block itself housed nearly thirty artists specialising in everything from jewellery to candles.  The glass artists were here -  Opal Seabrook, Siddy Langley (top L & R) and Karen Davies (bottom L). Across the stable yard in the main printmaker's area we talked with Laura Boswell and Tom Mitchell.

some of the printmakers and their kit
© Teresa Newham

The organisers at Childwickbury take great care to ensure that everything is just right, with eye-catching, colourful and quirky corners, and plenty of space for visitors to chill out in while they eat their lunch or take a rest in the shade.  It's a great day out - put it in your diary for next year!

touches of colour everywhere
© Teresa Newham

NB if you can't wait until next Summer, don't forget the Childwickbury Christmas Market on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November 2019 😉